When we’re out with the boys on a day off, Rick and I usually opt for milkshakes and club sandwiches. However, on one particular occasion last month (namely, after we realised we needed to change our somewhat unhealthy eating habits), we stumbled upon The Healthy Chef in Avalon Beach.
Four things I noted amidst the chaos of eating out with our boys (clockwise from top left):
1) The quinoa tabouli was good. And healthy.
2) The window seating was very cushy, with lots of cushions.
3) They had high chairs. Big tick.
4) They served Campos coffee (can you spot the famous green cups?). Double big tick.
Also worth a mention is that the staff were extremely patient with us, even though there is no doubt in my mind our boys exceeded the standard threshold of ‘noise making’ for about three quarters of our time there.
Yes, I had to sneak in a photo of my boys. And yes, they make me smile. (Your guess is as good as mine what Pete is accusing Angus of there.)
The Healthy Chef
17 Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach, Sydney
Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch
6am – 5pm
Given a choice, Rick will always elect to sit outside at a cafe. And so we did. Every single time we visited the Sea Vista Cafe at Gerringong during our week away, we sat outside.
I wasn’t that happy about it the first time: being a wimp and all, I’m just not that big a fan of strong winds by the sea. Sad, I know, but true.
But by the time the weekend rolled around, I’d toughened up a bit (just a bit) and so when the waitress asked us whether we wanted to sit inside or outside, it was me who replied – of my own free will and accord – that we would sit outside, thank you. And would all the customers inside the cafe mind moving their chairs out of the way because our pram is just that big, yes it is.
It was a good brunch, that one. We munched on delicious seafood tapas, we avoided disturbing the other people outside (and by that I mean, none left upon seeing us and our big fat pram emerge on the patio), Jamie managed to fall asleep in his pram and Pete actually stayed sitting happily in the high chair. Talk about breakthroughs and milestones all round.
That’s Pete hiding behind the menu, playing peekaboo with Rick. Either that or he’s licking the menu. And it wouldn’t be the first time…
Sea Vista Cafe
Phone (02) 4234 0551
Shop 2, 1 Noble Street, Gerringong NSW 2534
Open 7 days, 8.30-5.00pm
I have to say – I love a good-looking cafe. (Yes, I’m shallow like that.)
And in my opinion, Awaba is a hot contender.
Not only does it overlook the gorgeous Balmoral Beach, but I just love the white base palette, the use of raw concrete, the curvy chairs, the split level and the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The result is a cafe space that seems much bigger than it really is and unusual geometric lines wherever you look.
You like?
We recently discovered a new cafe in our local area which serves Campos coffee. It only took us a year and a half.
Anyway, we went as a family on our day off last week and the outing was relatively successful. And by that I mean:
- We were able to get our pram through the tiny front door.
- We didn’t knock down anyone in the process.
- Rick and I managed to drink our coffees before they went completely cold.
- Pete was happy to stay in his pram for about fifteen minutes before screaming.
- James fell asleep after twenty-five minutes.
- The cafe owner did not tell us to take our chaos and leave.
- We did not create any discernible floor mess.
- I enjoyed one minute of peace before paying the bill.
We Masons have our priorities all right and proper.
First give us our caffeine. Then we’ll look at the animals.
We did spend a bit of time at the cafe, I have to say. It wasn’t that we were snubbing the animals though. It was more that we needed some time to lure Pete into that giant backpack you see in that last photo. Plus, yes, we Masons really do love our coffee.
As you can see, I was quite obsessed with the decor of the cafe. Who knew a zoo cafe could be so groovy? (Who knew that you can still use the word ‘groovy’ in the year 2011?)
Anyway, here’s a question for you to test your powers of observation: how many Mason boys can you spot in that last photo?
Answer shall be revealed in the next post. Who knows, if you get it right, there might even be a prize! (Or there might not be, you never know.)
